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6.29.2018

5 Male Celebrities Who Are Wearing Wigs That Are All Too Apparent.

We get it. Celebrities are under tremendous pressure all the time to look their best. Not just when they are at red-carpet events. They are followed by swarms of paparazzis everywhere they go. This means they need to look good even when they are doing mundane tasks such as picking up groceries.

One of the sure-fire ways to ensure you don’t have a bad hair day is to wear a toupee or a wig. While some male celebrities are donning them like a boss, others are giving out their wig secret all too easily. No, we are not talking about Trump. There is no evidence that the golden feline on his head is actually a hair piece. We are talking about celebrities who proudly wear wigs in public that look all too much like artificial hair. In our quest to find people who are secret Dolly Parton fanboys, these are 5 male celebrities guilty of wearing all-too-obvious hair pieces.
Chuck Norris, who else?
Chuck Norris
Much like everything else he does, Chuck tops this list too. We really don’t know if he has a collection of cheap lace front wigs or that’s hair transplant performed by an actual drunken monkey. All we know is that thing deserves a standing ovation from all the bad wigs out there.
John Travolta.
John Travolta
Back in 2011, John was balding like an American eagle, now he rocks a mid-parted hairdo that would put rockstars to shame. What’s the secret behind his hairy transformation? We believe it’s a lace front wig. He is not hiding it well either.
Jason Alexander, with hair.
Jason Alexander
Honestly, no one would have guessed Jason Alexander wore a wig if they saw him for the first time. Having played Seinfeld’s George Costanza for more than a decade, his famous bald look is known to all. So, when Jason decided to wear a toupee back in 2014, let’s just say he received a bit of criticism. For no fault of the wig itself, Jason’s hairdo was immediately declared as fake. The strong public reaction is why Jason managed to secure a place on our list.
Nicolas Cage.
Nick Cage
Nicolas Cage has hair that looks just as natural as the ones on the heads of celebrities at Madame Tussauds. Back when Cage was known for starring in blockbuster movies he had a famously balding look. As his movie career took a dive his hair magically started to grow. Now, he has a full head of hair. Fortunately, the mystery of the magical hair growth is made all to obvious by the wig.
Charlie Sheen.
Charlie Sheen
The lovable bad boy of Hollywood has faced his fair share of criticism and social media outrage. His offscreen antics somehow manage to eclipse the disaster that is his wig. His aging facial features coupled with that college-boy hair looks mismatched, to say the least. However, Charlie was always a straight shooter, except for the times he wasn’t. Being a sport that he is, he openly admitted wearing wigs for his famous gig on Two and a Half Men.



6.26.2018

Vacationing in Asia | What Are the Best Kept Secrets?

When it comes to the age of the internet it is easy to say that there are no longer any secrets, especially when it comes to traveling. However, this is really not the case when it comes to traveling through Asia. While you can now find five star hotels almost anywhere in the country and get pizza just about anywhere you are, there are still many great places where people who are looking to ramble can go. Here are some of the best places to go in Asia if you are looking for a fun adventure.
Cambodian sunset.
Photo credit: Jurk Turtle.
Kep, Cambodia
Kep offers one of the last slow and sleepy towns in Asia. You can enjoy the breathtaking sunsets while surrounded by old architecture. There is no hustle and bustle along these shores. This is truly a place to go if you are looking for peace and relaxation. One thing that you absolutely must do while you are there is to go to the crab market where the fishermen hawk the catch of the day from traps and tubs. You can pay to have it boiled and eat it right there.
Caves of history.
Photo credit: Travelfishery.
Vieng Xai, Laos
When visiting Laos, Vieng Xai is often overlooked as most people choose to go to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. However, if you are looking to get a taste of the modern history of the country, Vieng Xai is the place to go. When you are visiting make sure to take a guided tour through the caves that were once used as hospitals, barracks, and bomb shelters and even the former home of the Red Prince.
Chillin' in Gili Meno.
Photo credit: Enchanting Travels.
Gili Meno, Indonesia
Of the three Gili Islands, Gili Meno is the most primitive and laid back. This island gets you close to seeing what life is like on a desert island. Electricity and fresh water are supplied by Lombok, but the amounts are finite. The real charm of this island is the horse drawn carriages and the coconut plantations. While you are there make sure that you take the time to get in the water. The snorkeling and diving are excellent.
Sabah State Mosque.
Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
One of the main reasons to visit Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is because it is a total mixed bag. No two people will ever have the same experience when they visit this area. From great and grueling mountain hikes to fantastic deep sea diving, you are going to be in awe of all of the wildlife, fauna and flora that this area has to offer. In addition, Sabah is one of the most culturally diverse states of Malaysia, offering many indigenous traditions, great food, and a number of local dialects.
Golden Temple.
Photo credit: Am I Psyche.
Punjab, India
If you are a foodie, this is one place in Asia that you absolutely have to go. Many of the most popular Indian dishes come from this area. Even though the area is famous for its food, travelers tend to avoid it as it lies on the northern border. Aside from eating, Punjab offers a rich history in Hinduism and Sikhism. The Golden Temple and the Mata Temple are definitely worth checking out while you are in the area.

When it comes to traveling throughout Asia, there are still some wonderful locations that have not been overtaken by tourists. These locations are some of the best places to go if you truly want to experience the Asian culture. We can help you find the right gear for your adventures throughout Asia.

6.08.2018

5 Tips to Make Your Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Last Longer.

Cooking is one of the most rewarding hobbies and duties as a mom. Whenever you see the whole family, especially the kids loved what you prepared, the appreciation is priceless. However, after pre-cooking, preparation, cooking, meal setup, and eating, then there comes cleaning. It is one of the most unfavorable and most unlikely tasks in the house. But, whether you like it or not, cleaning is a must-do duty.

Cooking wares such as pots, pans, knife, ladles, tongs, chopping board, etc. are not easy to clean especially when there is already sticky build-up. Stainless steel pots and pans are one of the cookware that needs special care when cleaning; here are some tips on how to give extra attention.
Photo credit: Amazon.
Basic Cleaning
For regular, daily use, clean your stainless steel pots and pans with a sponge using warm soapy water. Wash it first with water to remove any remaining food before using the sponge. If there is a thickened or substantial remnant, use warm water in washing. You can also put the cookware with water in medium heat so the residue will get soft. Never use steel wool and rough towels in cleaning and drying or else, the surface will get scratches.

Stain Removal
Stainless steel cookware is very susceptible to stains that come from food reaction. You can use oxalic acid cleaner for blemishes, and you can buy it from grocery stores. But if it is out of reach, you can also use baking soda, and hot water for soaking before you wash it. Let the mixture set, do not clean so soon, set it for a couple of hours before you clean.
Photo credit: Stay at Home Mum.
Burnt Food Removal
Before removing burnt food, soak the stainless steel cookware with hot water first. Bring it to low heat and set to boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool down. Once the water is cooled down and configured, you can now wash it. Aside from warm and soapy water, you can use a nylon scrub pad for cleaning.

Calcium Deposit Elimination
If you are using the stainless pots and pans for boiling, there is a vast possibility of calcium deposits. These are shown in white spots at the bottom of the cookware. Vinegar is one of the harshest cleaners when it comes to calcium deposits. Mix 4 parts of water to 1/4 part of white vinegar then let the mixture soak in the cookware for just a few minutes. Never soak it for a longer period or else, the cookware will get tarnished and will no longer be excellent for future cooking.
Photo credit: Instant Pot.
Discoloration Solution
Have you seen a rainbow color on your stainless steel pots? It is a discoloration, and it happens when there is too much heat applied to the cookware. For a quick cleaning, wash your stainless steel cookware with vinegar to help bring back its bright and original color. You can also try cooking high acidic food to avoid and treat discoloration.

Cleaning must not be a difficult task, especially for busy moms out there. It can be a pleasant and enjoyable task, as long as there are helpful tips that will ease your cleaning burden.


6.04.2018

Dreaming of Iceland | Things to Do in the Land of Fire and Ice.

At the height of my addiction to Super Junior, Big Bang, and several other K-pop groups, Korea was my dream destination. But now that I have fulfilled my dream of traveling to the land of K-pop and skincare, visiting at least twice a year thus making this country almost like my second home, I have been eyeing another country, a new dream destination - with hopes of traveling to and exploring the sights the way I did with Korea.

These days, I have been dreaming of Iceland, with its majestic, unspoiled landscapes and stunning natural attractions. A Nordic island country located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland has been dubbed as an environmental paradox with its smorgasbord of volcanoes blanketed in ice and snow. It's one of the few places on Earth where you can see glaciers and volcanoes in one place at one time, and where the phenomenon of subglacial eruptions (volcanoes erupting under ice) actually takes place. This contradiction of sorts is one of the many reasons why this country made it to the top of my travel bucket list.

I must admit, I'm not the most outdoors-y person and I'm not the kind of traveler of who packs less and light. But if backpacking is the best way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Iceland, then I'd gladly give up my 20-kilogram baggage allowance to explore and experience all these:
The awesome Aurora Borealis.
Photo credit: Iceland Tourism.
1. Bask under the Northern Lights.
Also known as the Aurora borealis, the Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon that paints the horizon with dazzling colors. It's like watching a ballet of lights dancing across the sky, with a color palette reminiscent of Sailor Moon's transformation.

A result of the collision between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere and the charged particles from the sun's atmosphere, the Northern Lights is a stunning celestial show that's best viewed during the winter season when the nights are longer and relatively darker. They're rather elusive and unpredictable, so there's no guarantee that you'll be able to see them during your stay in Iceland. But if the odds are in my favor, or if luck is on my side, then I might just chance upon this marvelous sight.
Myvatn Nature Baths.
Photo credit: Iceland Tourism.
2. Relax in a hot spring.
Swimming in chlorine-treated pools isn't my cup of tea because my ever-so-sensitive skin tends to react negatively with the water. Hot springs, however, are a totally different story.

With its milky blue color and warm, soothing, temperature, the hot springs in Myvatn Nature Baths are perfect for relaxing  the mind, body, and soul. They're also rich in alkaline and minerals which are good for even the most sensitive skin. Some of the hot springs in Iceland also contain traces of sulfur, which can be beneficial for those with asthma (like me!), sinusitis, and other respiratory problems.
Inside an Icelandic volcano.
Photo credit: Timothy Barker.
3. Plunge into a volcano.
Iceland is home to about a hundred or so volcanoes, thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. About thirty of these volcanoes are quite active, with the last volcanic eruption occurring three years ago in the lava field of Holohraun. During this time, the area of Bárðarbunga, where the lava field is located, was closed to tourists and visitors.

There is, however, one place in Iceland that allows visitors to see a volcano up close and personal. And by that, I mean you go inside the volcano, descend its crater, and make a journey towards the center of the earth. This place is called Bláfjöll, where the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano is located.

If you're a thrill-seeker, into geology, or just someone who is brave enough to go on this one-of-a-kind adventure, then this is an experience you should not miss. Not only will you get to marvel at the beauty of the magma chamber, you'll also get to explore the ground of the volcano itself. That's about 40 floors below the ground, but who cares? :)
Inside an ice cave.
Photo credit: Iceland Tourism.
4. Explore an ice cave.
Living in a tropical country (where it feels like summer all year round) has made me want to visit and explore countries that have ice and snow and everything else that comes with the cold winter season. Iceland easily fits into this category, as the country is cold and chilly all throughout the year.

This makes ice cave tours a popular activity all year long, giving tourists and visitors an amazing opportunity to explore the wonders of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest ice cap. These guided tours usually include a ride in a massive Super Jeep, which is perfectly designed for riding through the steep and icy slopes of the glacier.
Whale watching in Husavik.
Photo credit: Guide to Iceland.
5. Go whale-watching.
Located in the northern region of Iceland is Husavik, a beautiful fishing town which is extremely popular with tourists. Also known as the Whale Watching Capital of Iceland, Husavik is the place to visit if you want to see whales frolicking in the beautiful Skjálfandi bay. Over 20 species of whales live in this area, which includes the Humpback whale, the Northern bottlenose whale, and the Blue Whale - the largest animal on the planet.
Icelandic hotdogs, they say, are the best in the world.
Photo credit: Arctic Adventures.
6. Eat like a Viking.
Back in the days, a typical Viking meal would be comprised of sheep balls, sheep head, dried fish, or fermented skate. These days, a typical Icelandic diet would include lamb, skyr (an Icelandic cultured dairy product), vegetables, fish, and other seafood. Lots of seafood, to be exact, as the country is surrounded by Arctic waters teeming with cod, salmon, herring, monkfish, and lobsters.

One of the more interesting eats in Iceland is the Hverabrauð, thick and chewy rye bread cooked by burying the pot near a hot spring and letting the geothermal heat bake the bread. This 'hot spring bread' is best paired with Plokkfiskur or fish stew, a simple mix of white fish, potatoes, onions, and bechamel sauce.

Another popular meal that's a hit among tourists is the traditional Icelandic meat soup, a hearty dish made with lamb meat, potatoes, turnips, rice, and herbs. It's the ultimate comfort food, especially on a frigid, overcast day in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Hotdogs are also very popular in Iceland, that some even regard them as the country's national dish. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a hotdog stand in Reykjavik, has been in business since 1937 and continues to serve hotdogs to an endless line of customers, day in and day out. Its name literally translates to 'the best hotdog in town', which I would like to prove to myself when I visit Iceland. :)